Wheelbarrow

ABSTRACT

A wheelbarrow congurable as a kit for a wheelbarrow having a first and second side frames defining two laterally spaced-apart longitudinal portions, to which an axle is mounted with a wheel rotatably mounted thereto, and to which a body, such as a tub or flat bed, is mounted for carrying a load. The side frames are capable of being connected to leg structures, each of which includes a straight base portion configured for aligning with and engaging the ground. Forward cross-braces are capable of being connected from a forward end of each base portion to a first point on the main frame, and rearward cross-braces are capable of being connected from a rearward end of each base portion to a second point on the main frame proximately adjacent to the first point. A lateral member is capable of extending from longitudinal portions of the side frames, and a lateral cross brace is capable of extending from each leg structure to the lateral member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/763,364, filed on Jun. 19, 2007 which is a continuation-in-part ofU.S. Pat. No. 7,232,135, formerly co-pending patent application Ser. No.10/989,808, filed on Nov. 16, 2004, and issued on Jun. 19, 2007, whichpatent is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates generally to wheelbarrows and, more particularly,to a structural frame effective for use with a wheelbarrow.

BACKGROUND

The use of wheelbarrows of various designs and configurations is knownin the prior art. More specifically, wheelbarrows of various designs andconfigurations heretofore devised and utilized for the purpose ofimproving the stability of wheelbarrows by using improved frames areknown to consist basically of familiar, expected, and obvious structuralconfigurations, notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by thecrowded prior art which has been developed for the fulfillment ofcountless objectives and requirements.

There are nonetheless, a number of drawbacks still associated withconventional wheelbarrows. For example, if conventional wheelbarrows areused to carry very substantial loads, they tend to be instable(resulting in a tendency for the wheelbarrow to tip over during use),unreliable, and have relatively short life expectancies. Accordingly,continuing research has been directed to the development of wheelbarrowshaving relatively substantial load bearing capabilities which are alsomore rigid and reliable than conventional wheelbarrows, and also havelonger life expectancies than convention wheelbarrows.

SUMMARY

The present invention, accordingly, provides a wheelbarrow having a mainframe defining first and second spaced-apart longitudinal portions. Anaxle is mounted on the main frame, and a wheel is rotatably mounted onthe axle. A body, such as a tub or flat bed, is mounted to the mainframe for supporting and carrying a load. A first leg structure isattached to the first longitudinal portion of the main frame, andincludes a substantially straight base portion configured for aligningwith and engaging ground when the wheelbarrow is placed in a stationaryposition. Similarly, a second leg structure is attached to the secondlongitudinal portion of the main frame, and includes a substantiallystraight base portion configured for aligning with and engaging groundwhen the wheelbarrow is in placed a stationary position.

In one embodiment, cross-bracing is provided extending from each end ofeach base portion of each leg structure to the main frame.

In another embodiment of the invention, the main frame, first legstructure, and second leg structure are fabricated from tubular steel,and are welded together.

In another embodiment, a lateral member is positioned to extend betweenthe first and second longitudinal portions of the main frame, andlateral cross braces are positioned to extend from the lateral member tothe first and second leg structures.

In another embodiment, the main frame extends to define laterallyspaced-apart rearwardly extending handles.

In another embodiment, body support members extend from the longitudinalportions of a forward portion of the main frame to form a firstsubstantially triangular structure effective for supporting the body. Atransverse member is preferably also connected between the triangularstructures for reinforcing support of the body.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the wheelbarrow isconfigured as a kit wherein first and second side frames are coupledtogether. The first side frame comprises a first longitudinal portionand a first leg structure attached to the first longitudinal portion ofthe first frame, which first leg structure includes a substantiallystraight base portion configured for aligning with and engaging groundwhen the wheelbarrow is in a stationary position. The second side framecomprises a second longitudinal portion and a second leg structureattached to the second longitudinal portion of the second frame, whichsecond leg structure includes a substantially straight base portionconfigured for aligning with and engaging ground when the wheelbarrow isin a stationary position. A lateral member is capable of being coupledbetween the first longitudinal portion of the first side frame and thesecond longitudinal portion of the second side frame. A first lateralcross brace is capable of being coupled between the rearward portion ofthe first leg structure and the lateral member, and a second lateralcross brace is capable of being coupled between the rearward portion ofthe second leg structure and the lateral member. At least one axle iscapable of being mounted to the first and second side frames, and atleast one wheel is capable of being mounted onto the at least one axle,so that the at least one wheel is rotatable relative to the first andsecond side frames. A body capable of being removably mounted to thefirst and second side frames for supporting the load.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and theadvantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptionstaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a wheelbarrow embodying features ofthe present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the wheelbarrow of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view of the wheelbarrow of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the wheelbarrow of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of an alternative embodiment of awheelbarrow embodying features of the present invention;

FIG. 6 depicts an exploded view of a wheelbarrow exemplifying featuresof an alternate embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 7-10 exemplify a sequence of steps that may be employed in theassembly of the wheelbarrow of FIG. 6; and

FIG. 11 exemplifies an alternate embodiment of a wheelbarrow configuredwith two wheels in accordance with principles of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following discussion, numerous specific details are set forth toprovide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, itwill be obvious to those skilled in the art that the present inventionmay be practiced without such specific details. In other instances,well-known elements have been illustrated in schematic or block diagramform in order not to obscure the present invention in unnecessarydetail. Additionally, for the most part, details concerning weldedconnections and the like have been omitted inasmuch as such details arenot considered necessary to obtain a complete understanding of thepresent invention, and are considered to be within the skills of personsof ordinary skill in the relevant art.

It is noted that structural members depicted herein are preferablytubular members, though they may alternatively comprise othercross-section configurations such as square, rectangular, triangular,I-beam, U-beam, and the like. Structural members are preferably weldedtogether, though any suitable means or combination of means, such asbolting, may be employed to join members together. The structuralmembers may be fabricated from any of a number of different materials,such as steel, aluminum, or the like.

For definitional purposes, the following terms will be used forreferring to the fully assembled wheelbarrow in normal use. The term“horizontal” refers to the direction parallel to a surface (e.g.,ground) on which the wheelbarrow is supported in normal use. The term“vertical” refers to a direction substantially perpendicular to thehorizontal direction. The term “front” or “forward” refers to the end ofthe wheelbarrow proximate to the wheel (described below) of thewheelbarrow. The term “rear” or “rearward” refers to the end oppositethe front end of the wheelbarrow. The term “point” refers to an areaapproximating the size of a cross-section of a member proximate to the“point”.

Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawings, the reference numeral 100 generallydesignates a wheelbarrow embodying features of the present invention.The wheelbarrow 100 includes a main frame 102 configured for supportinga body 104 (e.g., a tub or flat bed). The main frame 102 furtherincludes an axle 108 on which a wheel and tire 106 are axially mountedfor facilitating movement of the wheelbarrow by a person in aconventional manner.

The frame 102 includes a longitudinal portion 110 which extendsgenerally through the length of the wheelbarrow 100. As shown moreclearly in FIG. 4, the longitudinal portion 110 preferably wraps lessthan 180° around the wheel and tire 106, and two ends of thelongitudinal portion 110 extend rearwardly from an opposing end of thewheel and tire 106 of the wheelbarrow 100 to form handles, to each ofwhich handles handgrips are preferably positioned, the handgripspreferably comprising a material, such as rubber, nylon, or the like,that is effective for enabling a person to grasp and lift the rear endof wheelbarrow 100 in a conventional manner.

As also shown in FIG. 4, the wheel and tire 106 are rotatably mounted tothe axle 108, which axle is secured to the wheelbarrow 100, by meanssuch as welding. The axle 108 is preferably fabricated from relativelyheavy duty material effective for supporting heavy loads (e.g., stone,rocks, and/or brick) in the body 104.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the frame 110 further includes two legstructures 116 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 1). Each legstructure 116 includes a forward portion 116 a defining a first end 116a′ extending from a point 110 a of the longitudinal portion 110 to asecond end 116 a″, a horizontal (as viewed in FIG. 1) base portion 116 bhaving a first end 116 b′ extending from the second end 116 a″ of theforward portion 116 a to second end 116 b″, and a rearward portion 116 chaving a second end 116 c″ extending from the second end 116 b″ of thebase portion 116 b to a first end 116 c′ secured to a rearward point 110b of the longitudinal portion 110 of the main frame 102.

Two forward cross braces 118 and two rearward cross braces 120 aresecured, preferably via welding, between the longitudinal portion 110and each leg structure 116 to form a substantially triangular trussstructure. More specifically, each forward cross brace 118 is preferablysecured (e.g., welded) at a first end 118 a proximate to the second end116 a″ of the forward portion 116 a and the first end 116 b′ of the baseportion 116 b of each leg structure 116, and is preferably secured(e.g., welded) at a second end 118 b proximate to a point 110 cinterposed between the points 110 a and 110 b of the respectivelongitudinal portion 110. Each rearward cross brace 120 is preferablysecured (e.g., welded) at a first end 120 a proximate to the second end116 b″ of the base portion 116 b and second end 116 c″ of rearwardportion 116 c of each leg 116, and is preferably welded at a second end120 b proximate to the point 110 c interposed between the points 110 aand 110 b of the respective longitudinal portion 110.

In a preferred embodiment, two forward body support members 130 arewelded at first ends 130 a to a forward portion of the longitudinalportion 110, and two rearward body support members 132 are welded atfirst ends 132 a to the longitudinal portion 110, and second ends 130 aand 132 b of respective body support members 130 and 132 are weldedtogether to form a substantially triangular structure effective forsupporting the body 104. As shown most clearly in FIG. 2, a cross-brace134 preferably extends proximately between the two first ends 130 a,though alternatively could extend proximately between the two first ends132 a, for providing support to the body 104.

The body 104 is secured to the frame 110 in a conventional manner usingfasteners, such as bolts and nuts, rivets, and/or the like 140.

FIG. 3 depicts a rearward support bracing structure preferablyincorporated into the main frame 102. More specifically, a lateralmember 302 extends between the longitudinal portions 110 of the mainframe 102. A first lateral cross brace 304 extends from the rearwardportion 116 c of one leg structure 116 to the lateral member 302, and asecond lateral cross brace 304 extends from the rearward portion 116 cof an opposing leg structure 116 to the lateral member 302.

In operation, the wheelbarrow 100 is operable in a “stationary” mode,wherein it positioned substantially as shown in FIG. 1, with the baseportions 116 b of each leg structure 116 substantially aligned andengaged with a support surface 101, such as the ground, floor, or thelike. In the stationary mode, the wheelbarrow 100 may be loaded withstone, brick, dirt, or the like, or the same may be unloaded from thewheelbarrow. The wheelbarrow 100 is also operable in a “mobile” mode,wherein a person (not shown) may grip the handles 112 and lift the rearportion of the wheelbarrow 100, and then move the wheelbarrow as desiredto a new location. When the new location is reached, then rear portionof the wheelbarrow 100 may be lowered and restored to a stationary mode.Because the operation of a wheelbarrow is considered to be well-known,its operation will not be described in further detail herein.

In FIG. 5, the reference numeral 500 designates an alternativeembodiment of the invention adapted for a body comprising a flat bed. Tothat end, the main frame 102 is configured substantially as depictedabove with respect to FIG. 104, but for the forward body supportstructure members 130 and 132, which are preferably reconfigured as twoforward body support members 530 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 5),two rearward body support members 532 (only one of which is shown inFIG. 5), and cross-brace 534 interconnected therebetween, which rearwardbody support members 532 are positioned at an angle 506 (discussedbelow) more suitable for supporting a flat bed 504 rather than a tub.The flat bed 504 includes a lower portion 504 a and an upwardlyextending portion 504 b. An angle 506 between the lower portion 504 aand the upwardly extending portion 504 b is preferably greater then 90°,such as about 100°, 110°, or the like. Operation of the wheelbarrow 500is substantially similar to the wheelbarrow 100, but for the step ofloading, wherein the flat bed 504 is adapted for more efficientlyloading and carrying rectangular-shaped objects and objects having flatsurfaces, such as bricks, wood, and the like. It is noted that the mainframe depicted in FIGS. 1-4 may alternatively be used with a flat bed,as depicted by FIG. 5, if the space between the member 132 and the flatbed portion 504 b is preferably provided with a wedge-shaped spacer (notshown) to thereby attain to the angle 506.

By the use of the present invention heavy loads, such as a load ofstones, bricks, dirt, and the like, may be moved using a wheelbarrowthat is more rigid, more reliable, and able to greater loads with agreater life expectancy than is possible using wheelbarrows disclosed inthe prior art.

FIGS. 6-11 exemplify an alternative embodiment of the invention, whichfacilitates conservation of space in a disassembled state, and stillfurther, facilitates an embodiment of a wheelbarrow as a “kit” inaccordance with principles of the present invention. To facilitatedescription of the wheelbarrow of FIGS. 6-11, many elements have beendesignated by reference numerals different from those used above withrespect to FIGS. 1-5, though they are functionally or otherwise similaror identical to corresponding elements described above with respect toFIGS. 1-5. For the sake of conciseness, some elements that have beendescribed in some detail with respect to FIGS. 1-5 above, and that arefunctionally similar or identical, have not been similarly described infurther detail in FIGS. 6-11.

FIG. 6 exemplifies an exploded view of a wheelbarrow, designated by thereference numeral 600. Accordingly, the description of the wheelbarrow600 will be directed to features that are different from the wheelbarrow100, and similar features will not be described in detail, exceptinsofar as necessary to describe the invention. As shown in FIG. 6, thewheelbarrow 600 includes left and right side frames 606 and 608,respectively. The side frames 606 and 608 are preferably connectedtogether by way of front and rear fittings (e.g., pipe fittings) 634 and636, respectively, and a cross-bar 628, which are secured betweenlateral cross braces of respective side frames by way of mechanicalfasteners 640 and 638, such as bolts and nuts.

Handles 604 are preferably attached to rear of the side frames 606 and608 by way of fittings (e.g., pipe fittings) 632 and mechanicalfasteners 642, such as bolts and nuts. Handle grips 602 are preferablyfitted to the handles 604. and secured thereto by friction, though aconventional adhesive (not shown) may be employed for same.

A nose piece 610 is preferably fitted to the front ends of the sideframes 606 and 608 by way of fittings 630 (e.g., pipe fittings) andfasteners 611. Left and right body supports 612 and 614 (previouslyreferred to as body support members 130 and 132), respectively, arepositioned on respective left and right wide frames 606 and 608,respective, and preferably secured thereto by way of fasteners 613, suchas bolts and nuts.

A wheel and tire 618 is preferably rotatably mounted on an axle 622which is extended through the sleeves 623 attached (e.g., by tack welds)to the side frames 606 and 608, and secured thereto by way of nuts 624.A spacer 620 is preferably positioned on the axle 622 on each side ofthe wheel 618 to keep the wheel substantially centered on the axle.

A tub (or flat bed, as discussed below) 626 is preferably positioned onthe side frames 606 and 608 and against the tub supports 612 and 614,and is secured thereto by way of fasteners 614 and 615, such as boltsand nuts. A tub support cross-brace 616 (previously referred to as 134and 534) is preferably interposed between the tub supports 612 and 614and tub 626.

FIGS. 7-10 exemplify one method, or sequence of steps, that may beemployed in the assembly of a frame for the wheelbarrow of FIG. 6.Accordingly, as exemplified in FIG. 7, the fittings 634 and 636 areinserted into right side frame 606 and secured thereto by way offasteners 640. A handle fitting 632 (FIG. 6) is also inserted into endof the side frame 606, and a handle 604 and handle grip 602 are attachedthereto.

As exemplified in FIG. 8, the left side frame 608 is coupled to theright side frame 606 by way of the fittings 634 and 636 and fasteners640. A handle fitting 632 (FIG. 6) is also inserted into end of the sideframe 608, and a handle 604 and handle grip 602 are attached thereto.

As exemplified in FIG. 9, the right and left side frames 606 and 608 arefurther secured together by way of the cross-brace 628 and fasteners638. The tub supports 612 and 614 and nose piece 610 are also positionedonto the side frames 606 and 608, and secured thereto by way offasteners 613 and 611. The tub support cross-brace 616 is preferablyalso positioned on the tub supports 612 and 614, and secured thereto byway of fasteners 615 when the tub 626 is attached to the side frames 606and 608.

FIG. 10 illustrates a final assembly 1000 of the wheelbarrow of FIGS.7-9. Accordingly, the tub 626 is positioned on the side frames 606 and608 and the tub supports 612 and 614, and secured thereto by way offasteners 644 and 615. The axle 622 is extended through one sleeve 632,one spacer 620, the wheel 618, the second spacer 620, and the secondsleeve 632, and is secured thereto by way of nuts 624, to therebyrotatably mount the wheel 618 to the wheelbarrow 600.

Operation of the wheelbarrow 600, once assembled, is substantiallysimilar to the wheelbarrows 100 and 500 discussed above. It is notedthat the main frame, as depicted by FIG. 9, may alternatively be usedwith a flat bed, as depicted by FIG. 5, in which configuration the tubsupports 612 and 614 are preferably modified, or alternatively, awedge-shaped spacer (not shown) is interposed between the tub supports612 and 614 and the flat bed portion 504 b, to thereby substantiallyattain to the angle 506, discussed above with respect to FIG. 5.

By the use of the alternate embodiment of the present inventionexemplified by FIGS. 6-10, in addition to the advantages discussed abovewith respect to the embodiments of FIGS. 1-5, the wheelbarrow 600 may beprovided as a kit or, in a disassembled state, be stored much morecompactly than is possible with the embodiments of FIGS. 1-5.

FIG. 11 exemplifies a further alternate embodiment of a wheelbarrow ofthe present invention having two wheels, the wheelbarrow beingdesignated by the reference numeral 1100. The wheelbarrow 1100 issimilar to the wheelbarrow 600, but for having two wheels 1102 and 1104instead of a single wheel 618. More specifically, the axle 622 (FIG. 6)is lengthened to extend beyond the sleeves 623 to thereby accommodatethe two wheels 1102 and 1104, one on each outer side of the side frames606 and 608. It is believed that the details of modifying thewheelbarrow 600 to accommodate two wheels, as exemplified by thewheelbarrow 1100 of FIG. 11, would be apparent to a person havingordinary skill in the art upon a review of the invention as disclosedherein, and will, therefore, not be described in further detail herein.

Operation of the wheelbarrow 1100, once assembled, is substantiallysimilar to the wheelbarrows 100, 500, and 600 discussed above withrespect to FIGS. 1-10, and, furthermore, may be configured as a flatbed, as discussed above with respect to FIG. 5.

By the use of the alternate embodiment of the present inventionexemplified by FIG. 11, in addition to the advantages discussed abovewith respect to the embodiments of FIGS. 1-10, the wheelbarrow 1100 maycarry heavier loads than is possible with the embodiments of FIGS. 1-10,and still further, provides for enhanced stability during movement ofthe wheelbarrow, which can be significant when carrying heavy loads.

It is understood that the present invention may take many forms andembodiments. Accordingly, several variations may be made in theforegoing without departing from the spirit or the scope of theinvention. For example, the wheel and tire 106 may be supplemented witha second wheel and tire. Each of the portions 116 a, 116 b, and/or 116 cof the leg 116 may constitute separate members that are welded together.An engine may be positioned within the frame 102 under the body 104 forpropelling the wheelbarrow, under the guidance of a person. Rear wheelsmay be provided for the wheelbarrow to enable a person to move thewheelbarrow without lifting the rear end of the wheelbarrow. It isunderstood, too, that the connection of the forward cross braces 118 tothe leg structures 116 may be in closer proximity to the first end 116b′ of the base portion 116 b of each leg structure 116 than is depictedin FIGS. 1 and 5.

Having thus described the present invention by reference to certain ofits preferred embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments disclosedare illustrative rather than limiting in nature and that a wide range ofvariations, modifications, changes, and substitutions are contemplatedin the foregoing disclosure and, in some instances, some features of thepresent invention may be employed without a corresponding use of theother features. Many such variations and modifications may be consideredobvious and desirable by those skilled in the art based upon a review ofthe foregoing description of preferred embodiments. Accordingly, it isappropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in amanner consistent with the scope of the invention.

1. A wheelbarrow comprising: a main frame having first and secondspaced-apart longitudinal portions; at least one axle mounted on saidmain frame; at least one wheel rotatably mounted on said at least oneaxle; a body mounted to said main frame and configured for supporting aload; a first leg structure attached to said first longitudinal portionof said main frame, which first leg structure includes a substantiallystraight base portion configured for aligning with and engaging groundwhen said wheelbarrow is in a stationary position; a second legstructure attached to said second longitudinal portion of said mainframe, which second leg structure includes a substantially straight baseportion configured for aligning with and engaging ground when saidwheelbarrow is in a stationary position; a lateral member which extendsfrom said first longitudinal portion of said main frame to said secondlongitudinal portion of said main frame; a first lateral cross braceextending from said rearward portion of said first leg structure to saidlateral member; and a second lateral cross brace extending from saidrearward portion of said second leg structure to said lateral member. 2.The wheelbarrow of claim 1 wherein said body comprises a tub.
 3. Thewheelbarrow of claim 1 wherein said body comprises a substantially flatbed substantially open on at least three sides thereof.
 4. Thewheelbarrow of claim 1 wherein said first and second side frames, saidfirst leg structure, and second leg structure are fabricated fromtubular steel.
 5. The wheelbarrow of claim 1 wherein said firstlongitudinal portion and said first leg structure of first side frameare welded together, and wherein said second longitudinal portion andsaid second leg structure of second side frame are welded together. 6.The wheelbarrow of claim 1, wherein said base portion of said first legstructure defines a forward end and a rearward end, and wherein saidbase portion of said second leg structure defines a forward end and arearward end, said wheelbarrow further comprising: a first forward crossbrace extending from a point proximate to said forward end of said baseportion of said first leg structure to a first point on said firstlongitudinal portion of said main frame; a first rearward cross braceextending from a point proximate to said rearward end of said baseportion of said first leg structure to a second point on said firstlongitudinal portion of said main frame, said first and second points onsaid first longitudinal portion of said main frame being proximate toone another; a second forward cross brace extending from a pointproximate to said forward end of said base portion of said second legstructure to a first point on said second longitudinal portion of saidmain frame; and a second rearward cross brace extending from a pointproximate to said rearward end of said base portion of said second legstructure to a second point on said second longitudinal portion of saidmain frame, said first and second points on said second longitudinalportion of said main frame being proximate to one another.
 7. Thewheelbarrow of claim 1, wherein said main frame further compriseslaterally spaced-apart rearwardly extending handles.
 8. The wheelbarrowof claim 1, further comprising: two first body support members extendingfrom said first longitudinal portion of said main frame and configuredto form a first substantially triangular structure effective forsupporting said body; two second body support members extending fromsaid second longitudinal portion of said main frame and configured toform a second substantially triangular structure effective forsupporting said body; and a transverse member connected from said firsttriangular structure to said second triangular structure for reinforcingsupport of said body.
 9. The wheelbarrow of claim 1, wherein said atleast one wheel comprises two wheels.
 10. A wheelbarrow comprising: amain frame defining first and second spaced-apart longitudinal portionsmechanically coupled together; at least one axle mounted on said mainframe; at least one wheel rotatably mounted on said at least one axle; abody mounted to said main frame and configured for supporting a load; afirst leg structure having: a forward portion having a first end and asecond end, said first end of said first forward portion of said firstleg structure being secured to a forward point of said firstlongitudinal portion of said main frame, a rearward portion having afirst end and a second end, said first end of said rearward portion ofsaid first leg structure being secured to a rearward point of said firstlongitudinal portion of said main frame, and a base portion extendingfrom said second end of said forward portion of said first leg structureto said second end of said rearward portion of said first leg structure,said base portion of said first leg structure being substantiallystraight for substantially aligning with and engaging ground along thesubstantially entire length of the base portion when said wheelbarrow isin a stationary position; and a second leg structure having: a forwardportion having a first end and a second end, said first end of saidsecond forward portion of said second leg structure being secured to aforward point of said second longitudinal portion of said main frame, arearward portion having a first end and a second end, said first end ofsaid second rearward portion of said second leg structure being securedto a rearward point of said second longitudinal portion of said mainframe, and a base portion extending from said second end of said forwardportion of said second leg structure to said second end of said rearwardportion of said second leg structure, said base portion of said secondleg structure being substantially straight for substantially aligningwith and engaging ground along the substantially entire length of thebase portion when said wheelbarrow is in a stationary position; alateral member which extends from said first longitudinal portion ofsaid main frame to said second longitudinal portion of said main frame;a first lateral cross brace extending from said rearward portion of saidfirst leg structure to said lateral member; and a second lateral crossbrace extending from said rearward portion of said second leg structureto said lateral member.
 11. The wheelbarrow of claim 10 wherein saidbody comprises a tub.
 12. The wheelbarrow of claim 10 wherein said bodyconsists essentially of a substantially flat bed defining four sides,one side of which includes a wall extending therefrom.
 13. Thewheelbarrow of claim 10 wherein said main frame, said first legstructure, and second leg structure are fabricated from tubular steel.14. The wheelbarrow of claim 10 wherein: said first end of said forwardportion of said first leg structure is welded to said forward point ofsaid first longitudinal portion of said main frame, said first end ofsaid rearward portion of said first leg structure is welded to saidrearward point of said first longitudinal portion of said main frame,said first end of said forward portion of said second leg structure iswelded to said forward point of said second longitudinal portion of saidmain frame, and said first end of said rearward portion of said secondleg structure is welded to said rearward point of said secondlongitudinal portion of said main frame.
 15. The wheelbarrow of claim 10further comprising: a first forward cross brace extending from a pointproximate to said second end of said forward portion of said first legstructure proximately to a point interposed between said forward pointand said rearward point of said first longitudinal portion of said mainframe, a first rearward cross brace extending from a point proximate tosaid second end of said rearward portion of said first leg structureproximately to said point interposed between said forward point and saidrearward point of said first longitudinal portion of said main frame, asecond forward cross brace extending from a point proximate to saidsecond end of said forward portion of said second leg structureproximately to a point interposed between said forward point and saidrearward point of said second longitudinal portion of said main frame,and a second rearward cross brace extending from a point proximate tosaid second end of said rearward portion of said second leg structureproximately to said point interposed between said forward point and saidrearward point of said second longitudinal portion of said main frame.16. The wheelbarrow of claim 10, wherein said main frame furthercomprises laterally spaced-apart rearwardly extending handles.
 17. Thewheelbarrow of claim 10, further comprising: two first body supportmembers extending from said first longitudinal portion of said mainframe and configured to form a first substantially triangular structureeffective for supporting said body; two second body support membersextending from said second longitudinal portion of said main frame andconfigured to form a second substantially triangular structure effectivefor supporting said body; and a transverse member connected from saidfirst triangular structure to said second triangular structure forreinforcing support of said body.
 18. A wheelbarrow comprising: a mainframe defining first and second spaced-apart longitudinal portions; anaxle mounted on said main frame; a wheel rotatably mounted on said axle;a body mounted to said main frame and configured for supporting a load;a first leg structure attached to said first longitudinal portion ofsaid main frame, which first leg structure includes a substantiallystraight base portion configured for aligning with and engaging groundwhen said wheelbarrow is in a stationary position, wherein said baseportion of said first leg structure defines a forward end and a rearwardend; a second leg structure attached to said second longitudinal portionof said main frame, which second leg structure includes a substantiallystraight base portion configured for aligning with and engaging groundwhen said wheelbarrow is in a stationary position, wherein said baseportion of said second leg structure defines a forward end and arearward end; a first forward cross brace extending from a pointproximate to said forward end of said base portion of said first legstructure to a first point on said first longitudinal portion of saidmain frame; a first rearward cross brace extending from a pointproximate to said rearward end of said base portion of said first legstructure to a second point on said first longitudinal portion of saidmain frame, said first and second points on said first longitudinalportion of said main frame being proximate to one another; a secondforward cross brace extending from a point proximate to said forward endof said base portion of said second leg structure to a first point onsaid second longitudinal portion of said main frame; and a secondrearward cross brace extending from a point proximate to said rearwardend of said base portion of said second leg structure to a second pointon said second longitudinal portion of said main frame, said first andsecond points on said second longitudinal portion of said main framebeing proximate to one another.